Illusions' best qualities are its location - half block from a nice stretch of sandy beach - and its warm hospitality. This hotel was an easy stroll from the beach, where for about $6 per person we could rent beach chairs and umbrellas for the full day. The staff could not have been friendlier and someone was always available to offer advice on tours and activities. This hotel is small, clean and quiet, with all the amenities that we wanted for a short beach holiday. For a delicious upscale dinner, I also recommend the French bistro next door - La Palette. The duck confit is scrumptious.

Recently stayed at the Illusion and was very pleased with the hotel. The staff was very accomodating and very friendly, especially the evening Front Desk Manager, Miguel. He bent over backwards to ensure everything was in order for our stay.

Our room was extremely large, it had two queen size beds and still had plenty of room left over. The major diappointment in the room was the lack of dresser facilities so that you could unpack your clothes. We had a closet type area but no drawers and so we were forced to live out of our suitcases while there. This was the major problem, not insurmountable to be sure.

The continental breakfast was appreciated in the morning to get ourselves going for the day. As stated by others, the location is excellent, certainly staggering distance from most PDC bars. We did our share of staggering, too.

Unfortunately while we were there it was low season so many of the facilities were not available like the roof top bar. The pool area was cute with a great view out to the ocean.

Finally, we secured our room through an auction site so we especially felt we had a GREAT value, under $90 per night. I easily felt the rooms were worth at least $150/night given other places I have stayed in PDC (Luna Blue, Playa Maya, the old Contiental Plaza plus others). Overall, strongly recommended.

I had stayed at the Boutique Hotel in May 2008. The Hotel was beautiful and in a great location! You are right in between the beach and 5th Ave where all the restaurants, bars and shopping is at. The beaches were just gorgoues and clean. The hotel staff were super friendly and very accomodating. The hotel rooms were very clean and I loved the big tile showers in the bathroom. Breakfast was also very yummy. The staff helped us out with any question we had about the playa del carmen area and also suggested a few places to see while we were there . . .If you are looking for a great inexpensive hotel in Playa del Carmen than look no further than the Illusion Boutique Hotel on Calle 8. I can not wait to come back.

Please contact me if you have any questions about Illusion Boutique Hotel.

This is the BEST hotel in Playa del Carmen!!! It is perfectly located - half a block from the beach and half a block to 5th Avenue, where all the shopping/dining is located. It is literally right in the middle of everything. You couldn't ask for a better place!!! All the staff members are the nicest people you can possibly find - they are genuinely nice!! Miguel was our favorite staff member - he is the sweetest guy! Miguel can give you any information about anything you would like to know and will always recommend the best places!!! Miguel was always willing to help and went above and beyond to make our trip pleasurable. The rooms were very clean and contained everything you could need. The pool on the roof is also really nice. Although it is shallow, it is perfect for wading and you have a nice view of the ocean as well. Continental breakfast is included in your stay and it was great and ready each morning for a vast amount of time depending on what time you would like to get up. The place was exactly what I was looking for on my honeymoon. For dining you definitely have to check out Mr. Kiwi's which is located on 10th Avenue (8th is cross street) which has the best tortas you are going to find in town. IIt is a whole in the wall but excellent. No kidding. Also, there is an excellent juice bar/restaurant on 5th Ave called cafe tropical. The food is great and the juices are even better. Also, make sure you take advantage of the cheap massages (about $35 for an hour). We loved Playa!! we will defenitely be back and stay at the Illusion!